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Small business forum planned Aug. 21

An economic forum in Augusta this month will focus on steps to start a small business.

The free event, organized by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Georgia District and U.S. Rep. John Barrow, will take place Aug. 21 from 9 a.m. until noon at the Salvation Army Kroc Center, 1833 Broad St.

Registration for the workshop is required.

Topics at the forum include business start up, financing and federal procurement opportunities.

“We don’t really have a targeted audience because it is open to the public,” said Mark Gibson, of the Georgia District’s public affairs office. “But if there were, I would say it definitely would be targeting those that are interested in learning more about starting a business and those that are interested in growing a business.”

The Georgia Small Business Development Center and Augusta chapter of SCORE, standing for Service Corps of Retired Executives, will participate in the event. Multiple presentations and panel discussions featuring the SBA Regional Administrator Cassius Butts and state District Director Terri Denison, local SCORE chapter Chairman Gil Hayes and others. Barrow will serve as the event moderator, Gibson said.

“This is a hand across the table, not a hand-out,” he said. “A hand-up to help you start or grow your business.”

The SBA, established in 1953, considers its mission to help Americans start, build and grow businesses. Across Georgia in 2013, there were $1.5 billion in guaranteed small business loans, which is about the same amount expected again this year, Gibson said.

“Great things are happening over there,” Gibson said, of the metro Augusta area. “The economic indicators are showing great growth and growth simulation in the area. We have a tremendous amount of veterans and veterans that are leaving the military and entering the small business arena.”